John “J.R.” Merchant was born on February 28, 1926, to Raymond and Alma Zahn Merchant in Haskell, Texas. In World War II he served as Sergeant in Troop E 5th Cavalry, and was honorably discharged in 1946. He worked for Getty Oil as gas plant superintendent. John was a member of Calvary Baptist.Survivors include his children, Belinda Kay Hickman and husband, Bill, Gary Dale Merchant and wife, Mary Alice, and Jonna Rae Dickerson and husband, and Wayne; brother, Herbert "Cleo" Merchant and wife, Jean; 14 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Dale and Alma Margaret Merchant; brother, Luther Dale Merchant.John Ray Merchant passed away Monday, October 3, 2016.In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the charity of your choice.
To plant a tree in memory of John Ray Merchant, please visit our Tribute Store.